Seatback mounting adapter

ABSTRACT

My flat panel display mounting adapter invention is specifically designed to mount objects such as flat panel displays to the seatback of commercially available reclining chairs and passively maintains positioning for the chair&#39;s occupant throughout the full range of chair movement. Additionally, my invention passively maintains positioning of objects such as flat panel displays when the reclining chair has such built-in features such as rocking, gliding, swiveling and castor sliding capabilities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Patent Documents 5,612,718 March 1997 Barton et al. 5,913,502 June 1999 Smith et al. 6,056,363 May 2000 Maddox et al. 7,063,294 June 2006 Miller et al. 7,100,517 September 2006 Godwin et al. 7,175,146 Feb. 13, 2007 Kim 7,261,266 August 2007 Satterfield et al. 7,568,760 August 2009 Lodes et al. 7,677,519 March 2010 Gauer et al.

PARENT CASE TEXT

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/422,463 filed Dec. 13, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seatback mounting adapter.

Currently there exists no simple, inexpensive, easy to use seatback mounting adapter specifically designed to mount a flat panel display to the seatback of commercially available reclining chair which will passively position and maintain proper ergonomic viewing for the chair's occupant throughout the full range of chair back movement. Additionally, without my invention, the proper ergonomically correct viewing position of a flat panel display is compounded when a commercially available reclining chair has rocking, gliding, swiveling or castor sliding features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Currently, seatback mounting adapters will position the display for users at home and at work by affixing the display to a wall, ceiling, desk, floor, chair or other mounting surface while providing the means of positioning the display at a viewable angle for the user. Current flat panel display mountings do not permanently mount a flat panel display on a reclining chair back and therefore do not maintain passive and ergonomically correct viewing position for the chair's occupant. Unlike other seatback mounting adapters, my invention allows the chair's occupant to passively maintain the ergonomically correct viewing position throughout the full range of seatback and chair movement. Unlike other seatback mounting adapters, my invention permits the occupant of a commercially available reclining chair to fully relax all muscle groups while viewing a flat panel display at a constant distance and angle from the flat panel display screen while the reclining chair occupant is upright, partially or fully reclined and while the chair is rocking, gliding, swiveling or sliding. Unlike other flat panel display adapters, my invention provides proper ergonomic positioning of the flat panel screen for the reclining chair occupant which is passively maintained throughout all ranges of chair movement, requiring no intervention on the part of the reclining chair occupant.

Current flat panel display mountings do not mount to a reclining chair back while cost effectively maintaining the flat panel display in the proper ergonomically correct viewing position for the chair occupant throughout the full range of chair back movements. Current flat panel display mountings are designed to mount a flat panel display on a wall, a desk, a floor, a ceiling and other surfaces but none are designed to support a flat panel display for proper ergonomic viewing for the occupant of reclining chair passively through the full range of chair movement. Current methods of supporting flat panel displays for viewing by the occupant of reclining chairs are not cost effective and do not passively support the flat panel display for ergonomically correct viewing throughout the full range of reclining chair movements.

With each passing year, people spend more hours seated in reclining chairs while viewing flat panel displays for innumerable reasons including work, email and entertainment.

Currently flat panel displays are supported by fixed and adjustable means to walls, desks, ceilings and chair bases. Users of flat panel displays can reduce fatigue, back, shoulder and neck strain after hours of use of a reclining chair because my invention keeps the flat panel display at a constant distance and angle relative to the eyes of the chair occupant as a chair is reclined. While current reclining chair users otherwise benefit from varying the chair back angle of inclination for increased comfort or to reduce fatigue, the occupant often strains their eyes, neck, shoulders and back muscles as the flat panel display moves too far away or at inappropriate angles for optimal ergonomic viewing. Neck, shoulder and back strain often occur as the chair occupant compensates for suboptimal flat panel display placement. In the case of users of reclining chairs, adjustments to the location of the flat panel display to create optimal viewing conditions may be difficult, impractical or virtually impossible.

Attempts have been made to make the positioning of flat panel displays for proper angle and distance from a seated or reclining viewing position possible as well as more convenient for chair occupant position compensation as well as suboptimal display placement when the seated or reclined viewer changes body positions. However, such supports have their limitations.

While devices for positioning flat panel displays may provide means of support for flat panel displays for use by chair occupants, such devices can always be improved.

Accordingly, there is a need for a cost effective seatback mounting adapter that is passively movable with the chair back between upright and relined positions and is adaptable to attach to many commercially available and future reclining chair configurations as an additional feature. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the seatback mounting adapter.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the seatback mounting adapter.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the seatback mounting adapter.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seatback mounting adapter.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the seatback mounting adapter as attached to the backside of the seatback of a reclining chair shown with the chair in the fully reclined position.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the seatback mounting adapter and method of attachment to the backside of the seatback of a reclining chair shown with the chair in the fully upright position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   2. Seatback mounting adapter     -   4. Commercially available attachment screws     -   6. Commercially available wiring (power, telecommunications)     -   8. Commercially available flat panel display     -   10. Commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting         bracket     -   12. Commercially available reclining chair     -   14. Seatback mounting adapter weldment component A, the Foreword         Leg     -   16. Seatback mounting adapter weldment component B, the Overhead         Leg     -   18. Seatback mounting adapter weldment component C, the Angular         Leg     -   20. Seatback mounting adapter weldment component D, the Rear Leg     -   22. Seatback mounting adapter weldment component E, the Mounting         Tab

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The seatback mounting adapter 2, shown in FIG. 1, is a device configured and designed to allow a human person to sit in any commercially available reclining chair 12 and view a commercially available flat panel display 8 comfortably and ergonomically through any and all sitting, reclining, swiveling or rocking chair movements all while the display 8 is passively maintained in the correct, proper, relaxing and ergonomic viewing position.

The commercially available flat panel display 8 is attached to the adapter 2's component 14 by means of a commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting bracket 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

The adapter 2, in the preferred embodiment, is a weldment consisting of the following five components welded together as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings: Part 14 is seatback mounting adapter weldment component A, the Foreword Leg; Part 16 seatback mounting adapter weldment component B, the Overhead Leg; Part 18, seatback mounting adapter weldment component C, the Angular Leg; Part 20, seatback mounting adapter weldment component D, the Rear Leg; and Part 22 seatback mounting adapter weldment component E, the Mounting Tab.

Parts 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 are welded together in the preferred embodiment to form the invention, Part 2, the seatback mounting adapter.

Part 2, the seatback mounting adapter, is attached to Part 12, the commercially available reclining chair seat back on the rear side by means of Part 4 commercially available attachment screw, as shown in FIG. 6, through holes fabricated through Part 22 seatback mounting adapter weldment component E, the Mounting Tab and though a hole in the bottom end of Part 20, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component D, the Rear Leg.

Most commercially available reclining chair backs have wooden cross supports under the upholstery on the backside of the seat back into which Part 4, commercially available attachment screws are screwed into, making Part 2 secure to Part 12.

Part 6, commercially available wiring (power and telecommunications) are routed through the hollow square aluminum tubing in the preferred embodiment. Part 6 is attached to Part 8, the commercially available flat panel display after exiting Part 14, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component A, the Foreword Leg. Part 6, the commercially available wiring attaches to electrical power source and various electronic equipment such as a personal computer after exiting out of the hollow tubing of Part 20, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component D, the Rear Leg.

My invention could be used with flat panel displays incorporating touch screen technology in an embodiment whereby the distance between the chair occupant and the flat panel display is within convenient ergonomic reaching distance of various chair occupants. The invention future embodiment for touch screen flat panel displays could incorporate an adjustable member, for example, by modifying Part 16, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component B, the Overhead Leg, whereby the distance from the chair occupant to the touch screen could be modified or adjusted to suit varying occupant arm reach and length characteristics.

The necessary elements of my invention, Part 2, the seatback mounting adapter as follows. In its preferred embodiment, Part 2 is a welded assembly consisting of the following component parts: Part 14, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component A, the Foreword Leg; Part 16, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component B, the Overhead Leg; Part 18, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component C, the Angular Leg; Part 20, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component D, the Rear Leg; and, Part 22, the seatback mounting adapter weldment component E, the Mounting Tab.

My invention attaches to and interfaces with a number of referenced commercially available components which are optional but are part numbered in this patent application for reference and for clarity in communicating how the invention functions in a practical sense. These reference components are the following: Part 4, commercially available attachment screws; Part 6, commercially available wiring (power, telecommunications); Part 8, the commercially available flat panel display; Part 10, the commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting bracket; and, Part 12, the commercially available reclining chair.

The seatback mounting adapter 2 is attached to the back of the commercially available reclining chair 12 by attachment screws 4. The commercially available flat panel display 8 is attached to the seatback mounting adapter 2 by means of the commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting bracket 10. The flat panel display is connected to power and such devices as, electronic gaming, computer, DVD player, headphones and other audio visual devices by means of commercially available wiring 6. Wiring 6 is routed through the flat panel mounting display adapter 2 which is sized and fabricated of hollow tubing in the preferred embodiment of the invention for the purpose of providing a wiring conduit.

The subject invention is a seatback mounting adapter 2 attached to the back of a commercially available reclining chair 12 by means of attachment screws 4. Attachment screws 4 thread into the wood framework of the commercially available reclining chair 12 such that the seatback mounting adapter 2 is vertically centered on the chair back such that the adapter 2 extends toward the front of the chair overhead above the chair 12's occupant in such a way as to position the flat panel display screen at the ergonomically correct viewing angle and distance from the occupant's head and eyes.

A commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting bracket 10 is attached to the foreword end of the adapter 2. The commercially available flat panel display 8 is attached to the commercially available VESA flat panel display mounting bracket 10. By the adapter 2's inherent design dimensions, the flat panel display 8's viewing screen will now be positioned directly at the eyes of the chair's occupant while the occupant's head is resting comfortably against the headrest of the chair back. Electrical power and telecommunications wiring which comprise the commercially available wiring 6 are connected to the back of display 8 and routed through the hollow center section of the adapter 2. The wiring 6 exits the hollow adapter 2 at the rear of the chair such that wiring 6 is connected at the power source, computer, gaming device, satellite set top box, headset, earphones or other electronic devices as required by the needs of the chair's occupant. After comfortably sitting or reclining in the chair 12, the chair's occupant can turn on the display 8 and connect to video programming, the internet, cable TV programming, gaming software or any audio visual device by use of the display 8's remote control. The chair occupant may install a headset to improve sound quality or for private audio listening. The angular and distal positioning of display 8 is passively fixed relative to the eyes of the occupant by means of adapter 2 throughout the full range of seatback movements provided by reclining chair 12. Due to the adapter 2's fixed ergonomic positioning of the display 8 well overhead the chair's occupant, the adapter provides unencumbered chair entry and egress for the occupant.

The invention in the current embodiment is fabricated of square section aluminum tubing having joints welded together. A simple welding jig fixes the aluminum sections at the proper angles for welding. The mounting tab has two attachment screw mounting holes drilled through and it is again positioned in place by the welding jig for welding to the rear tubing section of the adapter 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 2 is fabricated from aluminum square tubing although other design materials are foreseen such as wood, plastic, carbon fiber or other metal alloys and composites. In the preferred embodiment the invention is a welded fabrication, however, future embodiments are envisioned whereby the welded fabrication is replaced by tube sections joined together by connecting bracketry using mechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts, screws or rivets. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the configuration of adapter 2 is square tubing whereas other embodiments are foreseen fabricated of bend-formed rather than welded round and rectangular cross section tubing or even open channel and non-tubular extruded materials. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 2 is configured to be laterally centered directly over the top of the chair occupant such that the display 8 is ergonomically positioned for the most comfortable viewing without interfering with chair entry and egress. However future embodiments are foreseen with a side mounting of adapter 2 attached horizontally to the backside of the chair 12 backrest supporting the display 8 from the left or right hand side of the chair. Also foreseen are future embodiments of the invention with a swing-away feature whereby the front portion of horizontally oriented adapter 2 would pivot horizontally to swing display 8 off to the side of the chair for ease of chair entry and egress. In future embodiments, chair back surface mounting of adapter 2 could include attachment points on the top, front or sides of the chair back in addition to, or in place of, the rear chair back mounting location of the invention preferred embodiment. Also foreseen are future embodiments of the invention whereby adapter 2 is not surface mounted to the backside of the reclining chair backrest, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention, but rather the lower portion of adapter 2's rear leg 20 is mounted inside of the chair 12's backrest which is either modified to accept internal mounting of adapter 2's rear leg 20 or, alternatively, chair 12 is designed by its manufacturer to accept internal mounting of adapter 2's rear leg 20 which has been designed as a future embodiment of the invention for internal mounting inside chair 12's backrest. In the case of future embodiments with adapter 2's rear leg 20 internally mounted inside chair 12's backrest, adapter 2 would enter chair 12's backrest through any convenient point on the chair back, either on top, front, sides or back. Another future embodiment of the invention envisioned is a configuration of adapter 2 suitable for attachment to the seatback of an office-style reclining or non-reclining chair as in the case of an office-style chair where there is little padded upholstery and the seatback is typically constructed of metallic, composite and synthetic fabric as opposed to the typical wood frame and padded upholstery construction of the home-style reclining chair envisioned in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The invention would be assembled to the commercially available components and installed on the chair 12 and fastened together as previously described. After turning on electronic devices connected to the display 8, the seat occupant will sit in the chair 12 in a comfortable sitting or reclining position with head resting on the chair back's headrest.

Since the display 8 is fixed to the chair backrest by the invention, display 8 is always in an ergonomically correct position relative to the head and eyes of the chair's occupant. The occupant, using the flat panel display 8 remote control will turn on the display, select TV programming, select the internet, gaming, DVD programming or other connected audio visual media. If the occupant desires a headset rather than use of display 8's loudspeakers, the occupant will place the headset in listening position.

During the course of viewing the flat panel display, the chair occupant may change the chair's seat back angle and may rock or swivel the chair, provided the reclining chair is equipped with rocking and swiveling features, and throughout all the reclining, rocking and swiveling motions, the flat panel display will remain in the optimal viewing position relative to the head and eyes of the chair occupant due to the inherent design of the invention.

After completing the flat panel display viewing session in the chair, the occupant will return the chair to upright position, turn off the display 8 and exit the chair. Since the invention preferred embodiment consists of a fixed location of adapter 2, and thus display 8, relative to chair 12's backrest with no positioning or adjusting features, and due to adapter 2's design dimensions, there is no blockage of the occupant's entry or egress path, the occupant simply stands and exits the chair as customary with any ordinary reclining chair.

My invention could be used with flat panel displays incorporating touch screen technology as in the case of in an embodiment whereby the distance between the chair occupant and the flat panel display would be within convenient ergonomic reaching distance of the chair occupant. The invention embodiment for touch screen flat panel displays may incorporate an adjustable member whereby the distance from the chair occupant to the touch screen would be modified to suit varying occupant arm reach and length characteristics.

The present embodiment mounts one flat panel display. However future embodiments envision the mounting of more than one flat panel display. Two or more flat panel displays would be mounted in place of a single flat panel display with the addition of a multi-display mounting plate providing the side-by-side support and positioning for the chair occupant.

Future embodiments envision the mounting of devices other than flat panel displays. One such embodiment is the mounting of a mechanical device capable of holding various reading material such as books and magazines in addition to, or in place of, a flat panel display.

Future embodiments envision the mounting of devices which move passively with the chair seatback in addition to a flat panel display. These additional devices would be supported by members emanating at locations along the seatback mounting adapter to position them suitably for use by the chair occupant. The additional devices may include electro-mechanical devices such as keyboards, computer pointing devices and remote controls but also may include such mechanical devices such as cup-holders. 

1. An apparatus comprising a mounting adapter which fixedly supports one or more objects from the seatback of a reclining chair.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the recited objects are electro-mechanical devices positioned foreword of the seatback.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the electro-mechanical devices are any or all flat panel displays, keyboard, computer pointer and remote controls.
 4. A mounting adapter comprising a rigid support arm, mounting structures distally located at one extremity for attachment to a chair seatback and one or more mounting structures distally located along the support arm suitable for attachment of one or more objects.
 5. The mounting adapter of claim 4 wherein the recited objects are electro-mechanical devices positioned foreword of the seatback.
 6. The mounting adapter of claim 5 wherein the electro-mechanical devices are any or all flat panel displays, keyboard, computer pointer and remote controls.
 7. An apparatus comprising a mounting adapter which increases reclining chair seatback functionality by providing the means of mounting objects to the seatback.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the recited objects are electro-mechanical devices positioned foreword of the seatback.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the electro-mechanical devices are any or all flat panel displays, keyboard, computer pointer and remote controls.
 10. A seatback mounting adapter suitable for installation on commercially available reclining chairs, the seatback mounting adapter comprising an elongated rigid member, a means for said member attachment to the seatback, and means enabling said member to attach to objects useful for the chair occupant.
 11. The mounting adapter of claim 10 wherein the recited objects are electro-mechanical devices positioned foreword of the seatback.
 12. The mounting adapter of claim 11 wherein the electro-mechanical devices are any or all flat panel displays, keyboard, computer pointer and remote controls. 